The 10 Best Multiday Hikes in the Cape

There’s always been a certain spiritual significance attached to long walks, whether it’s the Camino de Santiago in Spain, or the rite of passage undertaken by the Australian Aboriginals (known to us as Walkabout). These days, the demands of city life make it hard to find time for an afternoon hike, let alone a walk in the wild, but the idea of leaving the city life behind, roaming the wilderness by day and settling around the camp fire by night, is as alluring as ever. Whether you’re sneaking an overnight escape or planning a week-long wilderness trek, our best multiday hikes in the Cape cross majestic mountains, sandy shorelines and fynbos-clad valleys, and will take you deep into the wonder of nature.

Important safety notes Even if it seems like an easy trail, be prepared – an injury, severe weather or wrong turn could become life-threatening. Note:

• Hiking in groups of four or more is strongly recommended. Pace according to the slowest person in the group. Never hike alone.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area, hire a guide or join an organised group. 
• Do not rely on Google Maps – it can lead you onto dangerous or incorrect paths. Carry a proper hiking map, such as a Slingsby map, and plan your route in advance.
• Save emergency numbers in your phone. However, be aware that cellphone signal is unreliable across the mountains – don’t depend on being able to call for help.
• Be properly equipped, with adequate water and food; a sunhat and sunblock; warm clothing (the weather can change quickly in the mountain) and a fully charged phone.

Wolfberg Arch + Cracks

Where Cederberg Wilderness Area
Duration 2 days, 1 night
Best for fit, prepared hikers who love wild camping under the stars.
A classic overnight outing for the fit and adventurous that will take you back to a time before time. You’ll scale the famed Wolfberg Cracks before ascending to the iconic sandstone arch in this World Heritage Site. The 14km route requires fitness and stamina, rewarding the effort with surreal rock formations, star-filled night skies and sweeping vistas across ancient terrain. Wild camping beneath the arch is an unforgettable experience, offering solitude and silence amid the remote Cederberg landscape. But it does mean packing everything you’ll need for two days: water, food, cooking equipment and sleeping bags (including tents in the winter). The dramatic geology and rugged beauty of this timeless wilderness trail are well worth it.
Good to know You’ll need to purchase a permit from Sanddrif Holiday Farm for the hike, and from Cape Nature for overnight camping.
Contact Sanddrif: 027 482 2825, sanddrif.com
CapeNature: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Otter Trail

Where Garden Route National Park
Duration 5 days, 4 nights
Best for fit, committed hikers who can handle multiple days and often unpredictable river crossings.
South Africa’s oldest and most iconic multiday hike hugs the Garden Route coastline for 42 spectacular kilometres between Storms River Mouth and Nature’s Valley. Over five days, you’ll traverse pristine beaches, ford rivers, explore forested ravines and cross rocky headlands, with regular sightings of dolphins and, in season, migrating whales. Accommodation is in rustic coastal huts with beds and mattresses supplied. Hardcore hikers will relish the planning and packing required to be self-sufficient for strenuous days on the trail. But if that just sounds heavy, a slackpacking version can be arranged, where private guides transport your food and equipment to each of the overnight stops. Book now and you’ll have plenty of time to plan the logistics for this legendary trail – demand for permits is high, requiring bookings at least 11 months in advance.
Contact SANParks: 012 428 9111, reservations@sanparks.org

Overseers Cottage

Where Table Mountain National Park
Duration 2 days, 1 night
Best for anyone with decent fitness looking for a short, accessible overnight adventure.
Toast the beauty of Cape Town from this perch high above the city on Table Mountain. This is an accessible overnight escape into nature without leaving the Mother City. Starting from Constantia Nek car park, you have two choices: the wood-and-stone “stairs” that climb through indigenous fynbos to the very steep concrete jeep track; or a more leisurely, but longer, meander up the vehicle-access road. Both are spectacular. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Southern Suburbs, False Bay and far beyond. The rustic Overseers Cottage provides beds, mattresses, basic kitchen facilities and a fireplace. SANParks staff will transport everything else you need for a post-hike drink, self-catered feast and a cosy night. This hike in the pristine World Heritage Site blends urban convenience with wild mountain beauty – perfect for a quick yet memorable wilderness experience.
Contact SANParks: 021 741 2372/4, viwe.nibe@sanparks.org, lamla.nyango@sanparks.org

Cederberg 100 Trail

Where Cederberg Wilderness Area
Duration 7 days, 8 nights
Best for experienced, self-sufficient hikers who can handle long distances in a remote environment.
This is an epic week-long 100km trek through the heart of the Cederberg Wilderness. The demanding route takes a maximum of six intrepid hikers past jagged sandstone peaks, ancient San rock art, hidden valleys and cool mountain streams. Each night is spent camping in remote spots under brilliant star-filled skies, far from modern distractions. The trail requires good preparation, endurance and a love of rugged wilderness. Along the way, you’ll encounter the area’s famed natural wonders such as the Maltese Cross and Wolfberg Arch. It’s South Africa’s ultimate long-distance wilderness hike – challenging, raw and deeply rewarding. A hard reset in a busy world.
Contact Cederberg Heritage Route: 063 980 6046, chrtrails@gmail.com

Highlands Trail

Where Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Duration 2 days, 1 night
Best for reasonably fit hikers who want a rugged adventure on quiet, less crowded trails.
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is another World Heritage Site in the Cape, home to a two-day circular hike through one of the most biodiverse floral regions on Earth. Covering approximately 36km, the route winds through pristine fynbos, across river valleys and up mountain slopes, offering breathtaking views over the Palmiet River and rugged coastline. Overnight accommodation is in rustic huts with basic amenities, providing a simple but comfortable base immersed in nature. With its rich birdlife, spring wildflowers and spectacular mountain scenery, it’s a moderately challenging hike that rewards walkers with both tranquillity and a unique botanical wonderland.
Contact CapeNature: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Whale Trail

Where De Hoop Nature Reserve
Duration 5 days, 5 nights
Best for moderately fit hikers who want a mix of comfort and adventure.
This is one of South Africa’s most spectacular, and popular, coastal hikes in a pristine World Heritage Site (yes, another glorious natural treasure). Stretching 57km over five days, this hike traces unspoiled beaches, limestone cliffs and rolling fynbos dunes. It is achievable for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy multiday hikes. From June to November, you may spot southern right whales breaching just offshore. Overnight accommodation is in lovely, albeit rustic, cottages with hot showers and fully equipped self-catering kitchens, allowing hikers to enjoy comfort at the end of each day’s walk. With dramatic coastal scenery, rich birdlife and opportunities to spot dolphins, seals and antelope, it’s a comfortable and scenic trail.
Contact CapeNature: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Tierkloof Trail

Where Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
Duration 2 days, 1 night
Best for moderately fit hikers who enjoy remote and rustic adventures.
Enjoy a short but rewarding overnight adventure through the rugged red earth of the Klein Karoo. Beginning with a steep ascent through a narrow kloof shaded by wild olive trees, the trail climbs onto the reserve’s high plateau. The route showcases contrasting landscapes of succulent Karoo vegetation, fynbos and dramatic mountain cliffs. The overnight stay is at the rustic but comfortable Oukraal base, with stone shelters, fireplaces and dramatic starry skies. Ideal for hikers seeking solitude and accessible wilderness, the trail offers a compact escape into the raw beauty of the Klein Karoo mountains. If time allows, book a further night or two in the luxury Tierkloof Eco-Lodge tented camp (sleeps eight) – you won’t be disappointed.
Contact CapeNature: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Swellendam Hiking Trail

Where Marloth Nature Reserve
Duration 5 days, 4 nights
Best for seasoned hikers comfortable with long ascents and descents.
One of South Africa’s oldest multiday mountain hikes, the trail traverses 59km through the Langeberg range over five challenging days. You’ll cross deep valleys, cascading rivers, lush indigenous forest and high ridgelines, with sweeping views across the Overberg. Overnight huts provide basic shelter with rustic facilities – a back-to-basics wilderness experience. The trail is demanding, with steep ascents and long days, but the rewards include abundant birdlife, flowering fynbos and a true sense of isolation. For seasoned hikers, this is an adventurous journey rich in natural beauty and heritage.
Contact CapeNature: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Groot Winterhoek

Where Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area
Duration 2 days, 1 night
Best for fit, self-reliant hikers who can handle rocky, uneven terrain.
This is a raw and rugged paradise for those who prefer DIY hiking trails. A wild overnight escape just two hours from Cape Town, its trails wind through sandstone outcrops blanketed by mountain fynbos with panoramic views of the Swartland below. Bring your swimsuit for the crystal-clear pools along the route. Overnight options cater to different styles: hardy adventurers can wild camp under the stars, pitching tents in designated zones for a primal experience, while those preferring more shelter can book the simple stone huts at De Tronk, complete with basic facilities and fireplaces.
Contact CapeNature: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Fynbos Trail

Where Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy
Duration 3 days, 2 nights
Best for anyone looking for a curated adventure in a scenic setting.
Why not try a relaxing three-day hike that immerses you in the floral wonders of the unique Cape Floral Kingdom near Gansbaai? The 26km slackpacking route meanders through coastal and milkwood forests, flower-strewn valleys and limestone hills, highlighting the region’s remarkable biodiversity. You’ll spend nights in comfortable farm cottages with hot showers. Three different packages are available, from fully guided experiences with hearty meals awaiting weary hikers to budget-friendly self-catered breaks. All three options include transportation of your backpacks to each evening’s accommodation. Along the way, you’ll be blown away by the prolific birdlife, and may encounter bushbuck and other wildlife. It’s a family-friendly experience that celebrates the beauty and fragility of the Cape’s unique flora.
Contact Fynbos Trail: 076 391 6943, info@fynbostrail.co.za
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